EA Sports is pulling a controversial celebration from Madden 23

EA Sports has confirmed that they’re pulling a controversial celebration from Madden 23 following a recent real-life game that saw Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin suffer a cardiac arrest on the field.

Hamlin, 24, collapsed during a match against the Cincinnati Bengals on 2 January. Shortly after making a tackle, Hamlin fell to the floor. He was immediately resuscitated and then rushed to intensive care where he would spend the next nine days. Players, staff and fans alike were clearly distressed as the player was given CPR and Oxygen. Hamlin was kept on the field for around 30 minutes.

As reported by BBC News, Hamlin spent 48 hours on a ventilator but nine days later, was discharged from hospital after making a full recovery. In a statement, the Buffalo Bills wrote that Hamlin had undergone “a comprehensive medical evaluation as well as a series of cardiac, neurological and vascular testing on Tuesday.” Hamlin’s medical care team added that they “are confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills.”

The Madden 23 celebration that has since sparked controversy involves one player lying down on the pitch while another pretends to administer CPR, Insider Gaming reports. A third player then arrives to pretend to use a defibrillator. The celebration can be triggered after scoring a touchdown if players select the team celebration option.

EA sports told CBS Sports that they were working to remove the celebration. “EA Sports is taking steps to remove the celebration from Madden NFL 23 via an update in the coming days,” they said.

A few days ago, Hamlin took to Twitter to update fans on his condition. “Not home quite just yet,” he wrote. “Still doing and passing a bunch of tests. Special thank-you to Buffalo general. It’s been nothing but love since arrival. Keep me in y’all prayers please.”